From superyachts in Palma to traditional fishing boats in the Balearics, Spain’s marine landscape is diverse and world-class - yet its nautical culture is still evolving. In this episode, Fernando from ANEN shares why hosting the ICOMIA Congress is a milestone for Spain’s marine sector, and how the organisation is working to make boating accessible beyond the millionaire stereotype. We explore strategies to attract new audiences, particularly younger generations seeking experiences over ownership, and how charter, boat clubs, and flexible access models can fuel industry growth. With unmatched cruising grounds, strong connectivity, and a global spotlight, Spain is positioning itself for a more inclusive and vibrant marine future.

Key Points

• Shifting boating from ownership to experience-based access.
• Positioning Spain as a global marine destination.
• Building nautical culture to drive long-term participation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.

The ICOMIA World Marina Conference returns for its 14th edition - this time in Venice. In this episode, organisers Roberto and Alberto explain why this three-day event is regarded as an accelerator for the global marina industry. With over 500 delegates, it offers a rare opportunity for decision-makers to gain strategic insights on sustainable infrastructure, technological innovation, market trends, and regulatory adaptation. Beyond the conference hall, attendees will tour marinas across the Venetian lagoon - a UNESCO site - to see best practices in action. Whether your focus is investment, operations, or policy, this event provides the platform to build partnerships and access the latest thinking shaping marina development worldwide.

Key Points

• Global collaboration drives sustainable marina growth and investment.
• Networking sparks high-value partnerships and industry innovation.
• On-site marina tours deliver real-world operational insights.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.

Ben Taylor speaks with Matt Anzardo from AkzoNobel to explore how coatings innovation, regulatory foresight, and workforce training are shaping the future of the marine industry. From navigating complex biocide and VOC regulations to driving sustainable product development, Matt reveals how AkzoNobel leverages ICOMIA collaboration to influence policy, accelerate R&D, and elevate application standards globally. The discussion also examines the role of the new Yacht Paint Application Center and virtual reality training in tackling skills shortages, streamlining processes, and improving quality outcomes. For decision-makers, this episode offers clear insight into the intersection of compliance, performance, and talent development - and why getting it right drives both environmental and commercial success.

Key Points

• How regulation shapes coatings R&D and market readiness
• Why VR training is a game-changer for marine trades
• The commercial benefits of global industry collaboration

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.
▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Darren Vaux, President of ICOMIA, on how global collaboration is driving innovation, sustainability, and industry growth. Drawing on seven years at the helm, Darren shares insights on uniting national marine associations to address emerging technologies, shifting consumer behaviour, and environmental responsibility. From the landmark Propelling Our Future project to the creation of a global lifecycle assessment (LCA) framework, ICOMIA’s work is helping manufacturers, regulators, and operators make informed, data-driven decisions. The discussion also explores regional growth in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, showcasing how shared knowledge between mature and emerging markets can build stronger, more sustainable marine industries worldwide.

Key Points

• How global data and collaboration shape industry direction
• Why lifecycle assessment is central to future regulation
• Lessons emerging markets can draw from mature boating regions

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.
▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Ben Taylor speaks with Wyndham Tops, Operations Director at Red Sea Global and board member of ICOMIA, to explore the rapid growth of the Gulf’s leisure marine sector and the infrastructure transforming Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Representing the Leisure Marine Association for the Middle East and North Africa, Wyndham outlines how streamlined regulations, strategic marina development, and regional cooperation are making the GCC a competitive superyacht destination. From iconic Dubai backdrops to emerging itineraries spanning NEOM, Red Sea Global projects, and Jeddah, this episode highlights how a coordinated approach between private industry and government is opening the region to global yacht owners, operators, and investors.

Key Points

• How the GCC is streamlining yacht entry and operations
• The Red Sea’s emerging marina network and destinations
• Why regional collaboration boosts superyacht market growth

🎧 Listen to the full episode now on the ICOMIA Podcast.
▶️ Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.